Corporate espionage?: Verizon Wireless sues Nextel, charging Nextel with improperly acquiring prototypes of a vital new Verizon cellphone and gaining unauthorized access to Verizon Wireless' network. This kind of knowledge transfer must be quite common in any industry, but you rarely see these published. (29/06/03) [perm link]

Here is the interesting part: "Phone lobbyists were quick to cite the finding as proof that the phone industry doesn't need competition-spurring regulations. Powell and FCC Commissioner Michael J. Copps are among those calling for regulations to help increase competition in rural areas, where there are fewer cell phone providers than in cities.

"Year after year, the FCC's competition report serves as a potent reminder that the competitive marketplace delivers the lowest prices," said Tom Wheeler, president of the CTIA, the cell phone industry's biggest lobbyist. "Yet, regulators, Congress and the states refuse to let competition work its magic. Instead the industry faces meddling, mandates and more taxes and fees." "

Yes, please, read it again. Everybody wants more "competition", but only different kind of competition.
(28/06/03) [perm link]